Vasant Panchami 2025 Vasant Panchami 2025

Vasant Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami, or Saraswati Puja marks the onset of spring and is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across various regions of the world. Observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Hindu month of Magha, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, learning, music and arts. This year, Basant Panchami will be celebrated on February 2, 2025. Beyond its religious significance, Basant Panchami also symbolizes the arrival of warmer days and the blossoming of mustard fields, painting the landscape in vibrant yellow hues. While this festival has its roots in India, its essence and customs have resonated with communities globally. Let’s explore how Basant Panchami is celebrated around the world.

Vasant Panchami celebration across the worldIndia

In India, Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the Goddess of wisdom, music, and arts, Maa Saraswati. It is a time of joy, music, and cultural festivities across the country. The day begins with a ritual bath, followed by prayers and offerings to the deities. Homes are decorated with mango leaves and colourful marigold or yellow flowers to symbolize new beginnings. Families assemble for a delectable feast that includes yellow delicacies such as kesar kheer and laddoos. Kite flying is a major attraction on this day.

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North India

In North Indian states like Punjab and Haryana, Vasant Panchami is synonymous with kite flying. The skies are dotted with colourful kites, and competitions add to the festive cheer. People wear yellow attire, prepare yellow dishes such as saffron rice and kadhi, and offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati and seek blessings.

Eastern India

People of West Bengal, Jharkhand etc, celebrate Saraswati Puja in which they bring Maa Saraswati’s idol in the pandal, donned in yellow attire and worship her with great joy and enthusiasm. Students, artists, and scholars worship the goddess by placing books, musical instruments, and tools of their trade near her idol.

Western India

In Rajasthan and Gujarat, people wear traditional yellow clothes and families and communities from both states celebrate Vasant Panchami with a fun and exhilarating kite flying tournament. Vibrant and dazzling kites adorn the sky, setting the tone for the event. Many devotees in Uttar Pradesh worship Lord Krishna on Vasant Panchami by offering saffron rice.

Southern India

In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Vasant Panchami is celebrated as a day to honour Goddess Saraswati, particularly by students and special poojas are conducted in temples and educational institutions. Homes and temples are adorned with images or idols of the goddess, and special prayers and rituals are performed. Students and artists often pay their respects to Saraswati, seeking her blessings for success in their endeavours.

Central India

In Central India, Vasant Panchami is a vibrant celebration of spring and learning. People adorn themselves and their homes in yellow, the color associated with the goddess Saraswati, and offer prayers for knowledge and wisdom. The day is marked by festivities, including kite flying, singing, and dancing.

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Nepal

Nepal celebrates Saraswati Puja or says Vasant Panchami with great enthusiasm and fervor. People adorn their houses with yellow marigolds and worship Maa Saraswati. The Nepalese communities consider Basant Panchami to be one of the most auspicious dates for starting a new marriage. Temples dedicated to Saraswati, such as the Saraswati Temple in Kathmandu, see a massive influx of devotees. The sky transforms into bright canvases as families engage in a fun war of kites, their laughter ringing with the delight of spring's arrival.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Vasant Panchami is celebrated as Hari Raya Saraswati, a day honouring the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. The festival marks the beginning of the Balinese Pawukon calendar. On this day, Balinese Hindus decorate their homes and temples with yellow flowers and offer prayers to Saraswati. They also participate in cultural activities such as dancing and music performances. Families gather together for a beautiful vegetarian feast with yellow-hued delights like yellow rice and sweets, which represent prosperity and enlightenment.

United States and Canada

The Indian diaspora in the United States and Canada celebrates Vasant Panchami with a mix of traditional and contemporary customs. Temples organize Saraswati Puja, where devotees come together to chant prayers and enjoy prasad (holy offerings). In some areas, community gatherings include kite-flying events and potluck meals featuring yellow-themed dishes.

United Kingdom

In the UK, Vasant Panchami is celebrated by Indian communities, Sikhs, and Jains with great enthusiasm. During Basant Panchami, they celebrate the beginning of Shikshapatri and the birth of Shastriji Maharaj, Bhagwan Swaminarayan's third spiritual successor and the founding father of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK.

Why Goddess Saraswati is worshipped during Basant Panchami

According to mythology, Goddess Saraswati was born on Vasant Panchami. Thus, this celebration commemorates her birth anniversary. It is believed that when Lord Brahma created the universe on Lord Vishnu's orders, he found everything to be in order, except that everyone appeared silent, serene, and sorrowful. Then, intending to effect change in the universe, he drew water from his Kamandal and sprinkled it on his creation. As soon as the water was sprinkled, a shaft of light showed a goddess atop a white swan and the creation was Maa Saraswati, whom we worship on this day. Brahma, the creator of the universe, created Saraswati on this day to bring knowledge and light into the world. The festival is also associated with the start of the spring season, which is a time of renewal and growth.

Vasant Panchami is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life, learning, and the beauty of nature. Whether through kite flying, Saraswati Puja, or cultural events, Basant Panchami continues to inspire and connect communities, reminding us of the timeless values of knowledge, prosperity, and renewal

Happy Vasant Panchami 2025!

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